My husband was in Sentara for 11 days and wasn't getting better, so he told the doctors he was going home. They did not want him to. Understand, my husband hated the hospital, so after 11 days we went home and were home for 2 days and we brought him back. They put him on 4 North. We had some great nurses. I stayed with him all night and most days he was sick. He had this one nurse who went beyond the call of duty, Heidi Rasmussen. She gave my husband so much compassion, in her look, smile, and words. My husband knew he wasn't coming home. His kidneys started to fail, and he couldn't breathe the day they put him in ICU. That morning was Heidi's turn to care for him. I got him up, changed his gown and his bed, put him in a chair, and made sure I told the nurse what I was doing. He sat in the chair from 6 to about 11. We called Heidi in because he was short of breath. She told my husband to relax and rubbed his hand, then took his BP and she could tell he was in Afib. Heidi called the doctor 2 times and put the oxygen up higher. I know my husband knew he had taken a turn for the worse. We put him in the bed and she called the doctor and took vital signs and next thing we were on our way to ICU! Heidi walked us all there and told my husband how lucky he was to have such a devoted family. She got us to ICU, gave my husband a hug, and he just felt better for her outstanding compassion to him and us all. She gave us all hugs and said he would get great care in ICU. It was 2 people per nurse. Her compassion towards him and us gave us easement and with her skillful care knew when to call the doctors ASAP. He was in ICU 7-8 days and he couldn't swallow and had dialysis and his kidneys shut down. We knew it was time to take him home to pass. All care was great. Heidi was great. We didn't ever feel we were just a number. Heidi cared for us all. It was amazing, we went home and my husband of 52 years, passed onto heaven the next day. Now it's been 11 days and I wanted in his name to write this note. I told him I would. Heidi, keep on being the caring nurse you are. We love and thank you so much for caring for my wonderful husband and father.
You gave us all a healing touch when we went to ICU and we felt your care for us. Heidi, do you know how special you are? It's so, so wonderful to find a nurse like you. God bless you Heidi and God bless Sentara. You are extraordinary for sure. You gave us peace of mind. Thank you all so much. In loving memory of JSR.